* * *
“I didn’t realize Ed would be learning as well.”
Ronen grinned broadly in reply.
“I thought it would be more fun if Ed joined too! Isn’t that okay, Brother?”
“Of course, it’s fine.”
The Duke approached Ed alongside Ronen.
With a slight gesture from the Duke, the gentleman gave a polite bow.
“It is an honor to conduct today’s lesson, Your Grace. I’ll do my best.”
Ronen responded with a bright smile.
“Thank you! Oh, by the way, would it be alright if I learned to dance with Ed?”
The gentleman glanced at Ed, standing next to the Duke, before replying.
“Of course. Have either of you had any prior experience with dancing?”
Ronen shook his head, prompting the gentleman to pause thoughtfully before continuing.
“I can’t teach both of you simultaneously, so the Duke will need to guide one of you. That might take some time…”
The Duke’s expression remained calm as he interjected.
“There’s no need to worry about that.”
“Very well. However, there is one more concern.”
The gentleman looked to the Duke, who nodded for him to proceed.
“Both of them are beginners, so Your Grace and I will need to take on the leading roles in the dance.”
The Duke nodded again.
“That’s no problem. I already know all the partner movements.”
“Excellent.”
The gentleman directed Ronen and Ed to their places and began explaining.
“Social dances in the North differ from those in the capital. They’re less intense and exude a more formal atmosphere. Consequently, the tempo is slower, which makes it perfect for beginners like you two. Now, please raise your heads and acknowledge your partner.”
Ronen gave a polite bow to the gentleman, while Ed exchanged a slight nod with the Duke.
“Well done. Next, Your Grace, please take a step this way…”
As they followed the instructions, the lesson transitioned into a proper dance.
The room filled with Ronen’s excited voice and Ed’s flustered glances.
“Ah! Sorry! I stepped on your foot again!”
“Are you alright, sir? I think I stepped on you pretty hard this time!”
“Ah… Maybe we should take a break for a moment?”
By the time the lesson ended and they stepped outside, Ed’s face was slightly flushed.
Dancing with a partner, matching their rhythm, was an oddly intimate experience.
Every time Ed bowed his head to avoid stepping on the Duke’s feet, his thoughts froze whenever their hands met or the Duke’s hand settled on his waist, leaving him only able to focus on the Duke’s face.
Perhaps because of that, despite his careful efforts, Ed kept stepping on the Duke’s feet.
Ronen laughed at Ed’s clumsiness, but when he began stepping on his own partner’s feet repeatedly, his enthusiasm waned.
If not for the constant encouragement, he might have sulked the entire time.
As the cold wind cooled his flushed cheeks, Ed sighed deeply. The Duke, walking beside him, asked,
“You moved better than I expected.”
“That’s only because Your Grace guided me well. Without that, your feet might not have survived unscathed.”
The Duke gently ruffled Ed’s hair.
“Still, wasn’t it fun?”
“Yes, it was enjoyable. It even motivated me to practice more so that next time, Your Grace can trust me with the lead.”
“I look forward to it.”
The Duke tilted his head with a soft chuckle.
“By the way, I can’t help but wonder—when you practice, who will you partner with? It almost sounds like you’re planning to leave me out. Who else would you hold hands with?”
Ed blinked, then chuckled softly.
“Your Grace is busy with affairs of state. I thought I’d attend lessons alone.”
“Thinking of you practicing alone unsettles me.”
“If I practice with a shadow as my partner, I won’t have to worry about stepping on anyone’s feet. I might even improve faster.”
The Duke gave a faint smile.
“Then let’s promise to practice together every night. Review is essential to learning, after all.”
Something warm stirred in Ed’s chest.
He hadn’t realized how delightful it could be to anticipate new commitments shared with the Duke.
Ed smiled as he clasped the Duke’s hand, which rested lightly on his waist.
“I’ll work hard and improve to the point where I can confidently ask Your Grace for a dance. So please, don’t give up your place as my partner to anyone else.”
As spring crept into the northern region and their dance practices continued, Ed stepped on the Duke’s feet less and less.
It was all thanks to their nightly reviews together.
“Ed, you seemed especially focused today. I don’t think you need any more practice.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. It’s only because you lead so well. I still have much to learn.”
“Nonsense. You’re already doing great.”
Even Ed’s body began to change.
“My stomach seems a bit rounder,” he thought, brushing his hand over the slight curve of his belly as he stood in front of the mirror one morning.
Gently stroking it, he felt a peculiar sensation, like tiny bubbles popping, though today it was quiet.
“Must be resting peacefully,” he mused, exhaling softly so as not to startle the life growing within him.
Adjusting his coat, he chose a looser outfit.
“I’m fine for now, but as my stomach grows, I might need bigger pants soon,” Ed thought, tilting his head.
Recalling the Duke measuring his size not long ago, a small laugh escaped him.
“To keep my pregnancy a secret, no less. Who else could boast of the Duke personally taking their measurements?”
After ensuring his necklace was hidden, Ed left the mirror, seated himself by the fireplace, and opened his notebook.
Flipping through its pages, he paused at the Duke’s handwriting:
“Oh brave child carrying the silver smelt of the icy lake, lean against the ash tree beyond the open door.”
It was the song he had heard whispered beside him the night before.
Recently, the Duke had taken to lying beside Ed before they fell asleep, singing songs passed down in the North, one by one.
The next morning, Ed would write down the lyrics while recalling the Duke’s voice, often humming the tunes to himself.
As usual, Ed began his morning with a Northern folk song, then rose from his bed.
Before opening the door, he gave his outfit one final check and stepped outside.
Today was the eve of the grand ball, and the Northern castle was abuzz with activity as everyone busied themselves with preparations.
Scanning the scene quickly, Ed spotted Jaynon and approached him.
“Jaynon, if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”
“Ah, Ed. Actually, could you deliver this list to Tens? It’s a guest list for those arriving at the castle today. Tell him to carefully verify it when the carriages come in.”
“Understood.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, don’t thank me. I’m sorry I haven’t been much help lately.”
“It’s fine. Ever since the organizational structure was revamped, things have been much smoother. You’ve already done plenty since the last party, so don’t worry about it.”
Jaynon’s calm response made Ed scratch his cheek awkwardly.
When Jaynon chuckled lightly, Tens, passing by, stopped and placed an arm around Jaynon’s shoulder.
“What’s so funny? Are you two having an entertaining conversation without me?”
“Use your head, Tens. It’s not entertainment—it’s a heartwarming exchange.”
“Jaynon, did you just say ‘heartwarming’? Who’s the subject of this touching tale? Someone who’s managed to thaw the ice-cold heart of the Northern castle’s breeze?”
“If you’re just going to spout nonsense, go away. I’m busy enough as it is.”
With a soft laugh, Tens deftly took the guest list from Ed’s hands and replaced it with a small envelope.
“Ed, this is from Young Master Ronen. He said you must look at it only when you’re alone.”
“Ah, thank you.”
Looking down at the tiny red envelope, Ed smiled faintly.
He guessed Ronen had been up to his usual mischief and prepared something special for him.
* * *
